[.OrgOwner]

1st - Casey Stoner
2nd - Chris Vermulen
3rd - Marco Melandri

Australia's Casey Stoner took victory in the US MotoGP at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California.
Another Aussie Chris Vermeulen finished second to complete an Australian 1-2, while Italy's Marco Melandri made the podium in third place.
Stoner's victory was his sixth this season and sees him extend his lead to 44 points on top of the MotoGP championship points standings.
Italy's five time champion Valentino Rossi, who finished in fourth position sits in second place. Vermuelen is fourth alongside Melandri.
Casey Stoner who was the pole sitter and had won all three practice sessions on the 11th stop on the 18-race circuit, was never challenged and came home well clear on his Ducati in 44 minutes and 20.325 seconds.

[Platinum929]

Casey "Freakin" Stoner, can you say Champion? I know it's a long season with 7 races left, but he looks as if he's getting stronger by the race. Valentino will be there in the end but he may have dug himself too big of a hole to climb out of. What happened to the Americans? Nothing like a 10th place finish to represent the home track. Maybe Roger Lee will go Moto GP next year.....

[dicknose]

Didnt help that Hopkins crashed into Hayden, which seems to caused Nicky some problems as he was then a back marker till he pitted.

Wasnt a close race - which always takes a bit of the excitment out of it.

Vermulen did well. I know he did well there last year. Seems this is his best track (other than a wet track)

Stoner continues to look the goods. I dont think anyone would be surprised if you had swapped each one of his results with Rossi - that many wins and when he doesnt win he is still up there in the points. Hasnt tossed it away.

If this was athletics he would be drug tested!!

[Momma Squid]

I think you'll find that they ARE drug tested.


Anyway: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie ... Oi! Oi! Oi!

[.OrgOwner]

Casey Stoner might just be a freak of nature. He made it look like the other guys were riding a different (lower) class.

[dicknose]

Originally Posted by Momma Squid

I think you'll find that they ARE drug tested.

They checking for the next Gobert?

[Momma Squid]

Poor bugger will never live that down.

[03swanman954]

If Nicky would of made it through turn one it might of been a different race, ,,,,BUT it came all down to tires and it was Bridgestones turn at a win. Most of the Mich's just didnt get it right . With maybe a few expections.

And not trying to take anything away from Casey Stoner he deserves everything he has gotten so far. He Earned this win and now is holds the fastest time ever on this track. Thats something to be proud of also.

This year might of been different if Nicky could get it together. I think he is enjoying his year off to be honest and knows at this point there is no way he will be in the top 5 slot.

And Platinum wouldnt it be nice to see the Hayden Brothers on the same team, LOL , I think if that does happen it will be good for Both of them and Roger looked great winning the AMA. BTW

[Phadreus]

I noticed that Stoner had an average lap time of 1:22:500 while Ben Spies did a 1:24:809 in SBK. I didn't catch Stoner's average speed, but Spies turned an average of 95mph.

[03swanman954]

I know what was the newest fastest lap time,,,something like 1:21 and change that is amazing. And I know I am going to be flamed for saying this but i think Stoner could do this on any other bike with the same setup,,tires,,etc.

Ok Flame on All you Ducati Fans LOL

[.OrgOwner]

Yes and I don't think Chris Vermulen is any slouch either, give him another 12 months and few more races and it will be interesting so see how he goes.

[Phadreus]

I for one am glad to see different bikes up front. I'm a Honda fan thru and thru, but competition brings out the best in man, and Honda is getting their fair share of competition this year. I still don't know what's up with Kawi in MotoGP?

[03swanman954]

Originally Posted by .OrgOwner

Yes and I don't think Chris Vermulen is any slouch either, give him another 12 months and few more races and it will be interesting so see how he goes.

... And to add the fact that now Melandri will next year be riding with Ducati,,after an amazing race by him too given the fact he could barely walk. LOL,, but yeah its definetly the year of the Aussi's for sure! They are looking great. Stoner was so smooth all weekend and Vermulen was also mistake free! Oh well it makes for interesting seasons ahead,,I am just a Hayden fan and cant wait to see his return. And/or Roger Hayden make his debut at MotoGP should be interesting.

[03swanman954]

Originally Posted by Phadreus

I for one am glad to see different bikes up front. I'm a Honda fan thru and thru, but competition brings out the best in man, and Honda is getting their fair share of competition this year. I still don't know what's up with Kawi in MotoGP?

Yeah its wierd , AMA Kawi looks so strong and MotoGP they are so rare. Wierd.

[Phadreus]

Did anyone hear if the MV Agusta team actually finished the race at Laguna? What a tough spot that team is in...they have a lot to sort out.

[dicknose]

Originally Posted by 03swanman954

This year might of been different if Nicky could get it together. I think he is enjoying his year off to be honest and knows at this point there is no way he will be in the top 5 slot.

Nicky is way overrated and is damn lucky that he won last year.
Stoner almost has as many points in half a season as Hayden had when he won last year.

Hayden - 3 career wins, 2 of them at Laguna Seca.
Now that other riders have come to grips with this circuit it wont be a gimme for Nicky.

Stoner - 5 wins this year.

Hayden might come good, but it will need more than just "return to the glory of 2006" as he only won 2 races that year.
Even if he was doing well Id suspect he would be well behind Stoner and Rossi and even Pedrosa. Probably more likely he would be battling for 4th with the likes of Melandri, Hopkins and Vermulen.

Whats the odds on Hayden never winning another MotoGP race?
Id say hundred times more likely than saying that Rossi, Stoner or Pedrosa would never win another race (baring some career ending accident)

[03swanman954]

Originally Posted by dicknose

Nicky is way overrated and is damn lucky that he won last year.
Stoner almost has as many points in half a season as Hayden had when he won last year.

Hayden - 3 career wins, 2 of them at Laguna Seca.
Now that other riders have come to grips with this circuit it wont be a gimme for Nicky.

Stoner - 5 wins this year.

Hayden might come good, but it will need more than just "return to the glory of 2006" as he only won 2 races that year.
Even if he was doing well Id suspect he would be well behind Stoner and Rossi and even Pedrosa. Probably more likely he would be battling for 4th with the likes of Melandri, Hopkins and Vermulen.

Whats the odds on Hayden never winning another MotoGP race?
Id say hundred times more likely than saying that Rossi, Stoner or Pedrosa would never win another race (baring some career ending accident)

Yeah OK,,,Stoner has had an excellent season but lets be honest,,Nicky has had a bad transition into the 800 cc class he has had to change his whole riding style and thats not always easy to do espically someone who came from Motorcross,,,etc.

Stoner has a a flawless year, honestly the kid never makes mistakes thats why his points are so good but others all around him,,,nicky, Pendrosa,,The Doctor, are all having problems. Does that mean Stoner is twice as good, no it just means that Stoner is have a Flawless season. He is a great rider but he is having the highest points because no one else can get their crap together this year. Everyone including the Doctor is having ups and downs right across the board.

Oh and one more thing,,,if Stoner is so damn great,,,where was he last year ?? I can tell yah,,just like everyone else, watching Nicky win!!! Just like Stoner will probably do this year.

Stoner better take it this year, Cause next year he will have two Haydens to deal with. And Dani keeps getting better too as well as everyone else.

Least Nicky is the World Champion, Stoner still has to become one,,if he can??
And if being the World Champion is being overrated,,then your right he is , LOL

[.OrgOwner]

I was just reading how the scrutineers had to strip Stoner's bike to silence the cheating claims, when your that far in front your not going to risk a breach of the rules but I guess they have to check right?

[dicknose]

Originally Posted by 03swanman954

Everyone including the Doctor is having ups and downs right across the board.

I think Rossi is doing better than last year. Points wise he would have to be better than this time last year.

Oh and one more thing,,,if Stoner is so damn great,,,where was he last year ??

It was his first season in MotoGP. He was on a bike that didnt suit him learning the ropes. He also came very close to being the youngest to ever to win a premier class GP.

I can tell yah,,just like everyone else, watching Nicky win!!!

I think it was more come 2nd, 3rd, 2nd etc
3 riders had more wins than him.
At 15 of 17 races Nicky watched someone else win.

Stoner better take it this year, Cause next year he will have two Haydens to deal with. And Dani keeps getting better too as well as everyone else.

Rossi is always a threat - I think everything considers the title his till someone else manages to take it away.
Dani will be a threat.
Nicky - na. Im not convinced he has what it takes to win another race much less a championship. But Im might be surprised.

Least Nicky is the World Champion, Stoner still has to become one,,if he can??

He might lose to Rossi this year.
But if he does, it will be with at least twice as many wins that Nicky has had in his career!!!

And if being the World Champion is being overrated,,then your right he is , LOL

Actually he isnt overrated. Most people dont rate him!!
I didnt hear any talk about him retaining his title - it was all Rossi and Pedrosa. Now its all Stoner.

I should say is a pretty decent mid runner.
Maybe he and Roberts Jnr could battle for "highest place world champ who isnt Rossi"

[03swanman954]

Originally Posted by .OrgOwner

I was just reading how the scrutineers had to strip Stoner's bike to silence the cheating claims, when your that far in front your not going to risk a breach of the rules but I guess they have to check right?

This is nothing new they did that because he broke the new track record, not because he was so far ahead. Again, not trying to take anything away from Stoner he is a damn good rider.

[03swanman954]

Oh and Dicknose , Perfect name for you btw,,lol all I can say to all your commits above is as much as you hate to admit it. Nicky is the World Champion, and honestly I love watching Nicky ride. His Aggressive riding style sometimes gets him in trouble like turn one in last weeks race, but he is a great rider and does things that few would dare to try. Thats why I like him.

When Stoner is crowned champion Then you can have your time. Right now you say all the 2nds ,,3rds ,,blah blah blah,,,but the bottomline is he still is the World Champion. And just hope for the second half that Stoner keeps doing what he is doing. Something tells me though. I think its going to be alittle harder! Dont take your eyes off of Dani or the Doctor, Either one could upset your Stoners Dream. But hey thats racing and thats why we love it.

Peace.

Oh and one more thing,, MOTOGP racing is not always about winning as much as it is being consistant, Its all about the points. And hey I didnt make the rules they did. LOL

[dicknose]

Originally Posted by 03swanman954

Oh and Dicknose , Perfect name for you btw,,lol

Thanks - Ive always thought of you a 03swanman954!

Thats why I like him.

I enjoy watching winners!
Plus the guys at the front tend to get on the tv coverage.

Oh and one more thing,, MOTOGP racing is not always about winning as much as it is being consistant, Its all about the points. And hey I didnt make the rules they did. LOL

Thats the way to win a championship.
And I dont deny that Nicky was the person who got the most points. That does make him a good consistant and fast rider.

But its still nice to see your guy on the top step!

Enjoy - and I do hope for your sake that Nicky can add win number 4 sometime.

[03swanman954]

Maybe down under where you live you dont see the Nicky Stuff but here in the USA Nicky is all over Alpinestar commercials,,,etc. And what rider with maybe The DOC gets more coverage? Seriously even when Mr Stoner winning as much as he is, they still focus on Nicky.

Dont worry Nicky will be winning a few more before the year is out and get use to that Hayden Name because Roger Lee is gonna be just as good a rider if not better than Nicky. And he is young and still up coming.

And dont forget Stoner even though you say he just started, he has 22 more races over Hayden!!! I am sure that doesnt mean anything huh? LOL

And your right that is the way to win a Championship,,,WINNING IS WINNING,,,period and if it done by the rules what is wrong with that? Maybe you know something I dont dicknose?

Oh and if Nicky isnt fast,,,gee how ever did he get to be the World Champion??? Thats a Mystery?

Honestly do you listen to what you are saying? Your saying Nicky isnt fast but yet he is the world champion. You cant be slow and the champ it just doesnt happen? ROFL

[giza]

Originally Posted by 03swanman954

Maybe down under where you live you dont see the Nicky Stuff but here in the USA Nicky is all over Alpinestar commercials,,,etc. And what rider with maybe The DOC gets more coverage? Seriously even when Mr Stoner winning as much as he is, they still focus on Nicky.

Dont worry Nicky will be winning a few more before the year is out and get use to that Hayden Name because Roger Lee is gonna be just as good a rider if not better than Nicky. And he is young and still up coming.

And dont forget Stoner even though you say he just started, he has 22 more races over Hayden!!! I am sure that doesnt mean anything huh? LOL

And your right that is the way to win a Championship,,,WINNING IS WINNING,,,period and if it done by the rules what is wrong with that? Maybe you know something I dont dicknose?

Oh and if Nicky isnt fast,,,gee how ever did he get to be the World Champion??? Thats a Mystery?

Honestly do you listen to what you are saying? Your saying Nicky isnt fast but yet he is the world champion. You cant be slow and the champ it just doesnt happen? ROFL

sales for the OZ motogp are up 500% this year(obviously caused by stoner),look out.
hopefully its the race were stoner seals the title!!
I love the way hayden rides and has a good attitude towards racing IMO.
Hope all you aussies got your gp tickets cause its gonna be, quote me here...
Vermuelan,Stoner & West(hope so) but rossi.

[03swanman954]

Originally Posted by giza

sales for the OZ motogp are up 500% this year(obviously caused by stoner),look out.
hopefully its the race were stoner seals the title!!
I love the way hayden rides and has a good attitude towards racing IMO.
Hope all you aussies got your gp tickets cause its gonna be, quote me here...
Vermuelan,Stoner & West(hope so) but rossi.

You can Thank Nicky for the 500%, most people in the USA dont even know who stoner is unless they are a MOTOGP Fan but thanks to TV shows like Jay Leno , having the Hayden bros on their show really helps awareness in the USA. Now Hayden is a household name. LOL,,, well maybe in my house. LOL

Its all Good,,Hayden , Stoners, Rossi's , Vermuelan's I only hope MOTOGP someday is as popular in the usa as Nascar is. Now with a Second MotoGP Race to be added at Indy. Who knows MotoGP in the USA might someday be as popular as it is in Europe.

Bottomline: Its All Good!!!

[dicknose]